Essential Business Reading: May 29, 2017

May 29, 2017—To better assist shop owners with their production management, marketing tactics and leadership styles, FenderBender has compiled a short list of essential reading material from some of its favorite sources.

“If you had to change your organization’s strategic course, how quickly could it happen?” That's the question Doc Tornic, CEO of Credential Financial, wants every business owner to ask him or herself. Because as trends and uncontrollable factors affect your market, you'll be forced to adapt. In this article, Tornic outlines some strategies for developing a plan, creating a clear vision for a desired outcome, and forming a communication strategy.

Of all the daunting tasks a business owner faces each day, there's one that, across the board, can be extremely difficult to master: work-life balance. Achieving a healthy balance, however, can lead to an improved busienss and a healthier lifestyle. And Diana Lovett can attest to that. She discusses her journey towards balancing entrepreneurship and parenthood in the latest episode of the podcast StartUp.

The idea of "selling" gets a bad rap—but Harvard Business Review argues that, at the heart of it, all business owners must sell something. You sell your ideas, your team, and yourself to the public. "Salesperson" isn't your job title, but it is yet another addition to the list of traits you must master. This article outlines some simple tactics that can turn novice salespeople into great marketers.

Trust. It's something all business owners need and crave, from both their employees, managers, customers, partners, vendors, investors. Brent Gleeson presents evidence that shows both the public and your employees expect your company to deliver on what it promises; expect your company to be fair and just; and expects your company to act consistently. While that's all certainly the goal for your business, ensuring it happens across the board can be tough. This Forbes article details a helpful plan.